Whiting: Spring training starts now

Mud runs offer great times, camaraderie and plenty of, yes, mud. Here, a team nears the finish line at Irvine Lake. DAVID WHITING, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Most races include a kids run or bicycle race. Here, a boy navigates a turn during a triathlon in Newport Beach. DAVID WHITING, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Mountain bike races offer a fun way to explore wilderness areas. This trail is in O'Neill Regional Park. DAVID WHITING, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Crossing the finish line always is one of the highlights of any race ... usually THE highlight. Here, daughter-father team Michelle Barton, left, and Doug Malewicki cross the finish line at Blue Jay campground off Ortega Highway. DAVID WHITING, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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The smiles say it all at a mud run at Irvine Lake. Teams often are required to cross the finish line together, which adds to the camaraderie. DAVID WHITING, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Race director Baz Hawley congratulates a finisher at one of his races that starts and finishes at Blue Jay campground off Ortega Highway. DAVID WHITING, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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A mountain bike race may also include a road portion. Here, cyclists near the finish line at El Toro and Santiago Canyon roads. DAVID WHITING, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

If you don't start training now, you won't be ready for spring, which starts March 20.

Sure, that's awfully soon – only nine weeks away. But the great thing about short-term goals is that they are one of the best motivators to launch a fitness program or boost your current one to the next level.

But don't just think about your goal. Write it down. Better yet, lock yourself into a goal by signing up for a race.

Yes, a race.

Too out of shape for a race? No worries. This isn't about competing against others. This is just about motivating you to get your engine running – and to have fun.

WHY RACE?

After climbing the East Buttress on Mount Whitney in late October – a goal I trained five months for – my engine ran out of gas. Then the holidays arrived, along with piles of healthy food and piles of sweets.

Being too polite to pass on anything – OK, I have a sweet tooth – I ate way too much. Then out-of-town family arrived and I exercised less. My little experiment proved something: More food + less exercise = more weight.

Sound familiar?

If so, we both have a choice. Drift along, exercising when we think we have the time. Or sign up for a race that forces us to find the time to exercise.

After signing up, tell friends and family. Heck, invite them along.

Now, you're locked and loaded.

WHAT RACE?

When choosing a race, pick something you know you can do. Remember, this is a short-term goal – not a stretch goal. That will come later.

Some of the best times I've had were running 5Ks – which you can also walk. And that's a key point.

You don't have to think of your event as a race. Think of it as fun walk with a whole bunch of people. It's not so much about finish times as it is about camaraderie.

You also don't have to podium. In fact, you don't even have to run. Just walk.

And don't worry about being out of shape and embarrassing yourself. No one cares how well you do – except perhaps you if you're stuck with a competitive streak.

Every race I've entered – including Ironman triathlons – has a range of people in all shapes and sizes. And everyone is friendly, supportive.

Amateur races are just that. For amateurs.

Sure, some burn to leave with a trophy. But everyone – and I mean everyone – is out to have a good time and to support others.

So let's choose a race.

RACES

Winter trail series

What: Already under way, but you can still join the series

When: 15K Saturday; 18K Feb. 2; 21K Feb. 16; 30K March 2

Where: Blue Jay Campground off Ortega Highway

How much: $40-$50 per race depending on length

Cool factor: Big Baz Hawley is the race director and his enthusiasm and low-key approach are all about fun.

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